The 2017 session of the 87th General Assembly convened on January 9, 2017 and adjourned Sine Die, 104 days later, on Saturday, April 22, 2017 at 7:14 a.m. During this 104 day period, 1653 bills were introduced, of which 174 bills were signed into law. Click for a complete list of bills signed into law, their titles, and effective dates. During this past session, in the House of Representatives the Education Committee saw the most bills introduced, 76, and in the Senate, the Judiciary Committee saw the most bills introduced, 85.

The second session of the 87th General Assembly will convene on Monday, January 8, 2018. It has been widely reported, however, that depending upon the state budget over the coming weeks and months, it is possible a special session may be called. In which case, the Iowa legislature would be called back to convene in Des Moines again in 2017, likely this fall.

Throughout the interim, legislators on various committees will meet in Des Moines on several issues. For instance, legislators on the Administrative Rules Review Committee will continue to regularly meet in Des Moines to consider administrative rules published by state agencies (administrative rules are often written to further address how legislation passed by the legislature and signed by the governor will be implemented). Additionally, legislators on specifically appointed study committees will convene to participate on interim studies, which this year include civil and criminal forfeiture laws, industrial hemp, prescription pain medications, and pensions, among others. Should you or your business be faced with a state law, administrative law, or government related matter generally, your attorneys at BrownWinick are prepared to assist.